Video Capture And Streaming Diagnostics Metadata

ABSTRACT

A system and method for diagnosing problems in a medical imaging system. In some implementations, problems with the medical imaging system are determined by encoding information into an image relating to system settings or other data, and using the information to diagnose possible problems with the image and/or the medical imaging system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for diagnosing problems inan imaging system, and more specifically to encoding information into animage relating to system settings or other data, and using theinformation to diagnose problems with the image.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern times, medicine has come to rely on medical imaging in orderto safely and effectively diagnose and treat ailments in humans andanimals. Recent medical imaging techniques have allowed for safer andmore effective medical images to be produced using newly availabletechnologies.

Among these technological advances has been the incorporation ofadvanced digital imaging and image processing technologies that havearisen as a part of the computer and information revolution.

The latest endoscopes, for example, have advanced from the crudetelescopes of the past into complex electro-mechanical devices. Modernendoscopic imaging systems may incorporate fiber-optic technologies,multiple wavelength illumination, channels for the introduction ofsurgical tools, charge-coupled image sensors, and computerized analysissystems.

However modern endoscopy systems can be particularly susceptible todamage or may otherwise be prone to deviations from normal operation.This is because of their complexity, and because endoscopes are exposedto harsh environments during normal use. For example, the operation of amodern endoscopy system may be impaired by kinetic shocks or operatorerror, such as improper positioning or setting of the device. Further,before and after insertion into a body cavity an endoscope must besterilized. This may entail exposure to water, harsh cleaning solvents,corrosive gasses, or high temperatures. During use, an endoscope may beexposed to temperature or humidity gradients, electrocautery equipment,radiation from imaging or therapeutic sources, or other environmentalconditions. Any of these conditions can impair the operation of theendoscopy system.

While these modern systems make safer and more powerful diagnostic andtherapeutic imaging possible, the complexity of such systems can causedifficulty in diagnosing the source of the problem when problems arefound with an image produced by the system.

In more recent times, digital images have been encoded with additionalnon-image information as metadata. Typically, metadata includesinformation about the image, and may include information about thedevice which created the image. Several image metadata standards areknown, including IPTC, XMP, EXIF, DCMI, and PLUS. However, no standardpresently exists for medical imaging metadata.

In the past, metadata has been used only tangentially in medicalimaging, and has not been used for system diagnostics.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,311,847 to Kotula et al. disclose a system forinterfacing with multiple medical imaging modalities that includes anormalization module for normalizing hanging protocols for displayingthe images. Effectively, the system uses metadata to organize the imagesfor viewing. The system may analyze metadata associated with the imageswhich includes equipment settings used to capture the information. Ametadata extractor can extract the metadata from the images, in order tocreate manifest files. These manifest files are used to generate displayrules for presenting the images in a normalized manner, in order toenable radiologists to work with images that are organized according toimage and study semantics.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,738,683 to Cahill et al. disclose a system for analyzinga medical image for purposes of patient diagnosis. Various types ofimages and corresponding data are captured during a multi-modalexamination. This information is fed into a learning engine thatdetermines the characteristics of abnormalities in the medical imagesfrom different modalities, and a detecting engine that detectsabnormalities within an image.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,133,546 to Dehmeshki et al. disclose a system forprocessing a digital medical image to identify medical abnormalities.Metadata associated with the image is used to derive optimum parametervalues using a predetermined relationship between the metadata and theparameters. The medical image is then processed using the optimumparameter values and an algorithm in order to analyze the medical imagefor medical abnormalities.

However, no known system discloses or teaches the use of metadata totroubleshoot an endoscopy system or any other medical imaging system.

It is therefore desired to provide a system and method which overcomesthese deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While capturing still or video images, specific data may also berecorded or inserted into the files or streams as metadata. Thismetadata may include information such as part numbers and/or serialnumbers of any or all of the devices attached to the system, and theirassociated software and hardware versions.

The metadata may include information about the current settings of thevideo system such as enhancement and brightness, various automaticparameters such as gain, exposure, light source level, and the like.This information provides clues as to the scenery conditions of animage, for example, during the recording and/or streaming of still andvideo images. Endoscope use data may also be included in the metadata,and other types of information may be included as further discussedherein.

The information included in the metadata allows the end-users to simplysend an image file to customer service representatives and/ortechnicians who can use the metadata to more quickly determine the rootcause of any non-optimal system performance. For example, a customerservice representative can extract the metadata from a video recordingof still image and quickly see if the software versions are up to date.As another example, a customer service representative could check to seeif the settings were not optimal for the scenario and suggest othersettings. Also, in the unlikely event of a fault in the camera system,or other systems in communication with the camera system, the metadatamay provide an easy way for the customer service representative to knowwhich serial numbers are involved, and an easy way for the servicetechnician to duplicate the problem by setting up tests under similarconditions.

Without this diagnostic metadata, more time is spent gatheringinformation about issues and/or faults with the system. With thediagnostic metadata embedded, the customer simply provides the pictureor video recording that was taken at the time the issue was encountered.

Objects of the invention are achieved by providing a system fordiagnosing a medical imaging system that includes an encoding device incommunication with an imaging device, which receives medical imagingdata from the imaging device and encodes an item of information asmetadata; and, an analyzing device which receives the medical image dataand the metadata from said encoding device, extracts the item ofinformation from the metadata, and determines whether a problem existsin the system based upon the medical image data and the item ofinformation.

In some implementations, the encoding device receives the item ofinformation from the imaging device. In some implementations, theencoding device receives the information from a system component. Thesystem component may be a head module, a light source, or an imagingdevice, for example. In some implementations, the analyzing devicedetermines that a problem exists when the item of information deviatesfrom a predetermined range. Optionally, the analyzing device maydetermine that a problem exists in the system when the image data isreported as faulty and the item of information deviates from apredetermined range.

In some implementations, the analyzing device determines the problemwhen it is determined that a problem exists. The analyzing device maytransmit update information to the imaging device based upon the item ofinformation and the medical imaging data. In some implementations, theitem of information is correlated temporally with the image data.Optionally, the metadata is time coded.

The item of information may include a device setting, a softwareversion, a part number, or a sensor reading, for example. Sensorreadings may include brightness, illumination, wavelength, shockreading, radiation dose, and temperature readings. Optionally, the itemof information may include time or usage information. In someimplementations, the imaging data includes video data. Optionally, themetadata is correlated temporally with the image data. Optionally, theanalyzing device is in communication with the encoding device.Optionally the analyzing device may communicate with the encoding deviceover a computer network.

Other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a method fordiagnosing a medical imaging system that includes providing an encodingdevice in communication with an imaging device, which receives medicalimaging data from the imaging device and encodes an item of informationas metadata; and, providing an analyzing device, which receives themedical image data and the metadata, extracts the item of informationfrom the metadata, and determines whether a problem exists in the systembased upon the medical image data and the item of information.

In some implementations, the encoding device receives the item ofinformation from the imaging device. In some implementations, theencoding device receives the information from a system component. Thesystem component may be a head module, a light source, or an imagingdevice, for example. In some implementations, the analyzing devicedetermines that a problem exists when the item of information deviatesfrom a predetermined range. Optionally, the analyzing device maydetermine that a problem exists in the system when the image data isreported as faulty and the item of information deviates from apredetermined range.

In some implementations, the analyzing device determines the problemwhen it is determined that a problem exists. The analyzing device maytransmit update information to the imaging device based upon the item ofinformation and the medical imaging data. In some implementations, theitem of information is correlated temporally with the image data.Optionally, the metadata is time coded.

The item of information may include a device setting, a softwareversion, a part number, or a sensor reading, for example. Sensorreadings may include brightness, illumination, wavelength, shockreading, radiation dose, and temperature readings. Optionally, the itemof information may include time or usage information. In someimplementations, the imaging data includes video data. Optionally, themetadata is correlated temporally with the image data. Optionally, theanalyzing device is in communication with the encoding device.Optionally the analyzing device may communicate with the encoding deviceover a computer network.

Further objects of the invention are achieved by providing a system fordiagnosing a medical imaging system that includes an encoding devicehaving a first processor and a first memory, and in communication withan imaging device, software executing on the first processor forreceiving medical imaging data from the imaging device and for encodingan item of information as metadata; and, an analyzing device having asecond processor and a second memory, and, software executing on thesecond processor for receiving the medical image data and the metadatafrom the encoding device, extracting the item of information from themetadata, and determining whether a problem exists in the system basedupon the medical image data and the item of information.

In some implementations, the encoding device receives the item ofinformation from the imaging device. In some implementations, theencoding device receives the information from a system component. Thesystem component may be a head module, a light source, or an imagingdevice, for example. In some implementations, the analyzing devicedetermines that a problem exists when the item of information deviatesfrom a predetermined range. Optionally, the analyzing device maydetermine that a problem exists in the system when the image data isreported as faulty and the item of information deviates from apredetermined range.

In some implementations, the analyzing device determines the problemwhen it is determined that a problem exists. The analyzing device maytransmit update information to the imaging device based upon the item ofinformation and the medical imaging data. In some implementations, theitem of information is correlated temporally with the image data.Optionally, the metadata is time coded.

The item of information may include a device setting, a softwareversion, a part number, or a sensor reading, for example. Sensorreadings may include brightness, illumination, wavelength, shockreading, radiation dose, and temperature readings. Optionally, the itemof information may include time or usage information. In someimplementations, the imaging data includes video data. Optionally, themetadata is correlated temporally with the image data. Optionally, theanalyzing device is in communication with the encoding device.Optionally the analyzing device may communicate with the encoding deviceover a computer network.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system which illustrates anexample implementation of aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detail of a portion of the imagingsystem shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another detail of a portion of theimaging system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example data flow among componentsof the imaging system shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example imaging system 100 according to aspects ofthe invention.

Imaging system 100 is configured to create processed medical image data,and to correlate metadata regarding the operation of system 100 with theimage data in a way that facilitates system diagnostics. The metadatamay include information about the structure, configuration, software, orsettings of the components of the system, and may include sensorinformation relating to the state of the components or the environmentsto which they are exposed. By correlating the metadata with the imagedata, the cause of various problems with the image data can be analyzedin real time, or subsequent to imaging.

Imaging system 100 may include a control module 105 having a processor110 and an input multiplexer 115. The control module 105 may alsoinclude a memory (not shown) in communication with processor 110, whichmay include a non-transient computer-readable medium. Software necessaryto the operation of the system may be stored on the memory and executedby the processor. Input module 120 connects imaging device 125 tocontrol module 105 via multiplexer 115. Control module 105 is also incommunication with various other devices, including display 140, storage145, computer 150, and remote computer 155. Auxiliary components such asa light source 135 may also be in communication with control module 105.

Control module 105 may be configured to receive image data from varioussources, to process the image data, and to output the image data to oneor more output devices.

Imaging device 125 may be a camera of the type normally attached to anendoscope as is known in the art, or may be an endoscope having integralimage capturing hardware. In principle however, imaging device 125 maybe any type of imaging device, such as an ultrasound, x-ray, or CTimager, standard digital camera, or the like. Imaging device 125 mayoperate according to various parameters, as will be more fully describedregarding FIG. 2.

Imaging device 125 communicates with control module 105 via an inputmodule 120 and multiplexer 115; although in some implementations, theimaging device 125 may communicate directly with control module 105.

Input module 120 receives an image signal from imaging device 125 andtransmits the image signal to control module 105. Input module 120 mayinclude preprocessing capabilities for adjusting the image signal priorto transmitting the signal to control module 105. For example, inputmodule 120 may provide a color balancing function in order to correctand calibrate the color balance of the imaging device 125. Input module120 may include a controller or processor (not shown) to perform thesepreprocessing functions. As with imaging device 125, input module 120may operate according to various parameters, and will be more fullydescribed regarding FIG. 3.

In some implementations, the communication between input module 120 andimaging device 125 is bi-directional. In such implementations, commandsignals or other information may be sent from or via input module 120 toimaging device 125. In this way, settings, software, or other datarelevant to imaging device 125 can be programmed by or via input module120, or settings resident in imaging device 125 can be polled by or viainput module 120.

Multiplexer 115 facilitates input to control module 105 from multipleimaging sources, such as imaging devices 125 and 125′. In principle, anypractical number of input sources of any configuration or having anycapabilities may be input in this way. Alternatively, in someimplementations control module 105 may accept input from only one imagesource or otherwise omit multiplexer 115 without departing from theinvention. Imaging device 125′ and input module 120′ may havecharacteristics and specifications different from imaging device 125 andinput module 120. In some implementations, imaging device 125′ may be aninput from a non-imaging source, such as an image archive, PC, or othersource of image data.

The communication between imaging device 125 and control module 105 maybe bi-directional. In such implementations, command signals or othersignals may be sent from the control module 105 to the input module 120or to the imaging device 125 via input module 120. In this way, settingsof the imaging device 125 or the input module 120 can be programmed bythe control module, or information resident in the imaging device 125 orinput module 120 can be polled by the control module 105.

Control module 105 includes a processor 110 and an encoder 130.Processor 110 is configured to process imaging data received by controlmodule 105 and to output processed imaging data.

In some implementations, processor 110 converts the image data into afile or streaming format. For example, processor 110 may convert theimage data in to a 3G-SDI or HD-SDI format, or a compressed video streamformat such as MPEG, which may be transported over an SDI line using theSDTI specification. Alternately, the image data may be converted into avideo or image file according to known methods. Many other appropriatestream, file, and compression formats will be evident to those havingskill in the art.

In addition to formatting and compression, processor 110 (or in someimplementations, a separate module) may provide further image processingfunctions, such as signal processing, digital image processing, opticaland analog image processing, white balance, gamma correction, frame rateconversion, and so forth. Processor 110, or another part of the controlmodule, may also create a GUI, mask, or other graphical overlay to bedisplayed with the image.

Any or all of these image processing functions may operate according toparameters that are user, factory, or automatically controlled. Forexample, processor 110 may automatically convert the image data intoprocessed image data having a given frame rate according to a factorysetting, or by detecting a frame rate supported or specified by thecontrol module 105. As another example, the processor 110 mayautomatically correct the color of the image data according to a factorysetting, or detected compatibility with control module 105, or the colorcorrection may be specified manually by a user of the system.

After processing, the image data is received by encoder 130. Encoder 130may receive other information from one or more components of system 100.For example, the various parameters by which imaging device and/or inputmodule 120 operate may be received by encoder 130. Other informationthat may be relevant to the proper production of an image, such assensor readings and other recorded data, may also be received by encoder130. Encoder 130 may encode the received information as metadata.

The relevant information received by encoder 130 for encoding asmetadata is typically related to system diagnostics, although othertypes of data, such as identifying information, may also be included asdesired. The particular items of information that are relevant may bespecified by the factory or user, or may be automatically specified,and/or otherwise determined in advance.

In addition, in some implementations encoder 130, or another componentof control module 105, may be configured to poll elements of system 100to retrieve all available information, a subset of relevant information,and/or information meeting certain criteria. For example, control module105 may send a signal to imaging device 125 to request all availablesensor information, device settings, software version numbers, or otheravailable information. In the alternative, control module 105 mayrequest a specific subset of this information, such as informationconsidered to be relevant to system diagnostics in a givenconfiguration.

Polling may be conducted directly, or via other components. For example,control module 105 may poll input module 120, which may itself pollimage device 125 on behalf of control module 105. In otherimplementations, components of system 100 automatically provide relevantinformation to control module 105 without being polled.

By way of example only, information that may be received by encoder 130may include the properties of any device connected to system 100, suchas model number, serial number, installed software, software version,time-in-use/elapsed time, and the like. Such information may alsoinclude device settings, such as information relating to exposure,including whether the exposure settings are automatic or manual, gain,shutter speed, focus, diameter, distortion, field of view, endoscopebutton settings, and/or user settings file contents. Such informationmay further include processing settings, such as information relating tocolor correction, white balance, gamma correction, overlay/maskingsettings, zoom factors, flip/rotate information, focus correction,jitter, motion stabilization, format conversion, frame rate conversion,illumination/LED shutter sync, compression format, compression quality,contrast enhancement, and noise reduction information. Such informationmay also include sensor readings, such as information relating totemperature, pressure, radiation, shock, light intensity, lightfrequency, electromagnetic interference, electrostatic discharge,accelerometer, and gyroscope readings.

Examples of other types of information that can be received by encoder130 from devices attached to system 100 and methods and systems forretrieving this information can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,827 toIrion et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,139 to Amling et al., U.S. Pat. No.7,722,531 to Boche, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,194,122 to Amling et al., all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Forexample, part numbers or other information may be retrieved from one ormore attached components using a contactless readable data carrier suchas an RFID tag or other transponder. It should be noted thatcommunications among the system devices may occur over multiplechannels. For example, input module 120 may supply imaging data tocontrol module 105 via one channel, such as a wired connection and maysupply other information such as a part number via a separate channel,such as a radio frequency signal or a separate wired connection. Variousother suitable arrangements will be evident to those having skill in theart.

The encoder 130 may combine the metadata with the processed image dataor transmit it along with the processed image data, depending upon thedesired configuration. For example, if the processed image data isformatted by the processor 110 into a 3G-SDI output format, encoder 130may encode the metadata as “ancillary data” according to that standard.As is known in the art, ancillary data is provided as a standardizedtransport for non-video payload within a serial digital signal. Manyother ways of encoding the parameters as metadata and correlating themetadata with the processed image data according to various open orproprietary standards, or otherwise, will be evident to those havingskill in the art.

In the case where the processed image data is video, the metadata can beencoded such that it is synchronized with the frames of the video.

In system 100, encoder 130 is configured as a part of processor 110.However, those having skill in the art will appreciate that encoder 110may alternately be implemented as a separate hardware and/or softwaremodule within control module 105, or a separate module apart fromcontrol module 105 without departing from the invention. Furthermore, itwill be appreciated that the encoder may be implemented either as ahardware component, or as software stored on the memory (not shown) andexecuting on processor 110, or on another processing device.

It should be noted that in some implementations, control module 105 maybe configured not to perform any further processing on the image dataapart from encoding the metadata. In such implementations, the imagingdata may be passed unaltered from control module 105, or unalteredexcept for the addition of metadata. This may be appropriate whereimaging device 125 or input module 120 provides imaging data that isalready processed and/or in an acceptable format, for example.

Control module 105 is configured to transmit the image data and metadatato various output devices. In example system 100, control module 105 cantransmit image data to a display 140, storage 145, or computer 150 (suchas a PC, PACS, or other computing device). Control module 105 can alsotransmit image data and metadata to a remote computer 155. In examplesystem 100, image data and metadata are transmitted via a computercommunications network 160. However, in some implementations the imagedata and metadata may be transferred from control module 105 to remotecomputer 155 in another way, such as by transfer using a USB key orother portable storage medium. Other ways of transferring the image dataand metadata will be evident to those having skill in the art.

Computer communications network 160 may be any communications network ordevice suitable for facilitating computer communications, such as a LAN,the Internet or a subset thereof.

Remote computer 155 includes an analysis module 165 which is configuredto receive the image data and metadata, and to extract the encodedinformation from the metadata. Analysis module 165 also facilitatestroubleshooting of system 100. Analysis module 165 may incorporate aprocessor, a memory, and software stored on the memory and executed bythe processor (not shown). The memory may include a non-transientcomputer-readable medium.

In an example implementation, remote computer 155 may be situated at thelocation of a remote technician. If a user of system 100 discovers theimage data generated by control module 105 is faulty, the user can sendthe image data and metadata to remote computer 155. Analysis module 165may then extract the parameters from the metadata.

In some implementations, the extracted parameters and image data can bemanually analyzed by a technician to determine if the problem with theimage is a result of any of the parameters. For example, if the image iswashed out, the technician may be able to determine if this is due to anincorrect exposure setting in the imaging device 125, input module 120,or control module 105.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many variations ofthis scenario are possible. Examples are provided herein, but thosehaving skill in the art will appreciate that many other permutations ofthis analysis are possible.

In some implementations, this analysis may be performed automatically bythe analysis module 165 without requiring intervention by a technician.For example, if a setting of the imaging device 125 is incompatible witha setting of the input device 120, analysis module 165 may automaticallydetect this discrepancy. In some implementations, analysis module 165may also automatically update settings of the imaging device 125, inputdevice 120, or both, in order to resolve the problem.

Enabling remote troubleshooting in this way can have the advantage ofreducing the costs and delays that would otherwise be incurred byshipping components to the manufacturer for analysis or by an on-sitevisit by a technician to diagnose the problem.

In further implementations of system 100, the technician may remotelyupdate the settings in any of the modules connected to control module105 in order to correct the problem. Optionally, analysis module 165 maybe configured to do this automatically, or upon approval by a user.

In some implementations, the troubleshooting cycle can be performed inreal time while imaging data from imaging device 125 is streamed toanalysis module 165. In this example configuration, settings correctionscan be applied during imaging to correct the problem.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that analysis module 165may be implemented as a part of control module 105, local computer 150,or as a part of another device (not shown) in communication with controlmodule 105, or that can otherwise receive image data and metadata fromcontrol module 105 without departing from the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating example imaging device 125.

Imaging device 125 may include an imaging sensor 200, and a memory 210.Optionally, imaging device may include optics 220, an illuminationmodule 230, an auxiliary sensor 240, and a communications link 290.

Imaging sensor 200 may be a charge-coupled device (“CCD”) and anyaccompanying hardware, or another suitable module for converting lightinto an electrical signal.

Optics 220 may include one or more lenses, apertures, focusing hardware,or other known optics, which may be manually or mechanically driven.

Illumination 230 may be a light-emitting diode (“LED”) light source orother suitable means for illuminating the field of view of the imagesensor.

Auxiliary sensor 240 is used to sense environmental conditions otherthan those sensed by the imaging sensor. For example, Auxiliary sensor240 may contain a thermometer for sensing temperature, accelerometer forsensing movement and position, Geiger-Müller tube for detectingradiation, and so forth.

Memory 210 stores data 250. Data 250 may include settings for theoperation of imaging device 125, or may record information sensed byimaging device 125. For example, data 250 may include settings forfocus, exposure, aperture, frame rate, illumination intensity,illumination frequency (i.e. color temperature), and the like. Data 250may also record temperature, movement, position, radiation, and thelike, sensed by auxiliary sensor 240.

Data 250 may also store a device model number and serial number forimaging device 125, as well as software and version information for anysoftware running on the imaging device (not shown). Imaging device 125may include a processor (not shown) executing software if this isnecessary or desired for any function of imaging device 125. Thissoftware (not shown) may be stored on memory 210, or another memory incommunication with the processor.

Data 250 may also or alternatively be stored in a memory that is not apart of imaging device 125. For instance, imaging device 125 may accessparameters stored in input module 120, control module 105, or anothercomponent in communication with control module 105. In someconfigurations, imaging device 125 may omit memory 210.

Some or all of data 250 may be received as information by the encoder130, as described above.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating example input module 120.

Input module 120 may include a processor 300 and a memory 310.Optionally, input module 120 may include an auxiliary sensor 340. Inputmodule 120 may receive image data from imaging device 125 via acommunications link 290. Control module 105 may receive some or all ofdata 250, data 350, and/or image data via a communications link 390.

Processor 300 may be is used to perform preprocessing operations on theimage data. For example, the input module may convert the image datainto a format that is readable by control module 105. Processor 300 mayalso perform other types of preprocessing on the image data, includingsignal processing, digital image processing, optical and analog imageprocessing, white balance, gamma correction, frame rate conversion, andother preprocessing tasks known in the art.

Any or all of these image processing functions may operate according toparameters that are user, factory, or automatically controlled. Forexample, processor 300 may automatically convert the image data to adifferent frame rate or resolution. As another example, the processor300 may automatically correct the color of the image data, or the colorcorrection may be specified manually by a user of the system.

Memory 310 stores data 350. Data 350 may include settings for theoperation of input module 120, or may record information sensed by inputmodule 120. For example, data 250 may include settings for frame rate,resolution, color correction, and the like. Data 350 may also recordenvironmental information sensed by auxiliary sensor 340.

Data 350 may also store a device model number and serial number forinput module 120, as well as software and version information for anysoftware running on the input module 120 (not shown). Processor 300 mayexecute software (not shown) if this is necessary or desired for anyfunction of input module 120, and this software may be stored on memory310, or another memory in communication with processor 300.

Data 250 may also or alternatively be stored in a memory that is not apart of input module 120. For instance, input module 120 may accessparameters stored in imaging device 125, control module 105, or anothercomponent in communication with control module 105. In someconfigurations, input module 120 may omit memory 310.

Some or all of data 350 may be received as information by the encoder130, as described above.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example data flowwithin system 100. For clarity, only those components of system 100 thatconveniently illustrate the data flow are represented.

In FIG. 4, imaging device 125 supplies image data 400 and information410 to control module 105 via input module 120. Image data 400 may ormay not be pre-processed by input module 120. Information 410 mayinclude data 250, 350 or other information. Information 410 may betransmitted once, upon a change in the information, or may betransmitted continuously or synchronously with the image data 400. Inaddition, some of the parameters may be transmitted in one of theseways, while others are transmitted differently.

Control module 105 may further process image data 400 and may supplyadditional information 410 relating to control module 105 or othercomponents in communication with control module 105.

Encoder 130 receives the processed image data 420 and information 410,and encodes information 410 as metadata 430. As shown in FIG. 4,metadata 430 is encapsulated within processed image data 420 by encoder130. The encapsulation may be according to any known metadata standard.In alternative implementations, the metadata may be transmitted in anunencapsulated fashion, or encoded in a different way. Optionally, themetadata may be transmitted separately from the image data.

Analysis module 165 receives processed image data 420 and metadata 430,and extracts the information 410 from the metadata 430, and analyzes theimage data 420 and image data 420 to determine if there is a problemwith system 100. This analysis can be conducted in a number of differentways, depending on the desired implementation. For example analysismodule 165 may be monitored by a technician who can view the image data420 and the information 410, and make a determination as to whetherthere is a problem with system 100, and how and whether it is possibleto correct the problem. For example, if information 410 includes thecolor correction settings of the input module, and the image appearsincorrectly colored, the technician may infer that the color correctionsettings need to be adjusted. In some implementations, the techniciancan transmit updated parameters 440 to the input module to correct theproblem.

In other implementations, the technician is replaced by an automatedsystem such as a software functionality incorporated into analysismodule 165 that can perform these tasks. For example, in the scenarioabove an incorrect color balance may be automatically detected by imageanalysis software, and an adjustment may be automatically calculatedbased upon the color balance detected in image data 420 and the colorcorrection information from information 410.

The example scenario above is not intended to be limiting, and manyimage analysis and correction scenarios will be evident to those havingskill in the art by reference to the disclosures herein.

Further, in some implementations, analysis module may infer that thereis a problem with the image based upon having received it. Thisconfiguration may be appropriate where, for example, a user of system100 only sends data to the analysis module when the user is dissatisfiedwith the image. In this case, analysis module 165 may proceed directlyto determining what the problem is. In other implementations, theanalysis module may detect whether there is a problem before determiningthe nature of the problem. This may be appropriate where the analysismodule is receiving a continuous feed of image data 420 and metadata430, or is analyzing a moving image file where a problem only exists inportions of the video.

It should be noted that although in examples herein diagnosticsinformation is transmitted via metadata, various other data may betransferred among elements of system 100 in other ways. For example,relevant information may be transmitted from imaging device 125 tocontrol module 105 separately from the image data and/or via sidebandsignaling, such as via an RFID transceiver arrangement (not shown).

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed manymodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for diagnosing a medical imaging system,comprising: an encoding device in communication with an imaging device,which receives medical imaging data from the imaging device and encodesan item of information as metadata; and, an analyzing device, whichreceives the medical image data and the metadata from said encodingdevice, extracts the item of information from the metadata, anddetermines whether a problem exists in the system based upon the medicalimage data and the item of information.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the encoding device receives the item of information from theimaging device.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the encoding devicereceives the information from a system component.
 4. The system of claim3, wherein the system component is a head module.
 5. The system of claim3, wherein the system component is a light source.
 6. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the system component is an imaging device.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the analyzing device determines that aproblem exists when the item of information deviates from apredetermined range.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyzingdevice determines that a problem exists in the system when the imagedata is reported as faulty and the item of information deviates from apredetermined range.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyzingdevice determines the problem when it is determined that a problemexists.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyzing devicetransmits update information to the imaging device based upon the itemof information and the medical imaging data.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the item of information is correlated temporally with the imagedata.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the metadata is time coded. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein the item of information comprises adevice setting.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the item ofinformation comprises a software version.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the item of information comprises a part number.
 16. The systemof claim 1, wherein the item of information comprises a sensor reading.17. The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor reading is selected fromthe group consisting of brightness, illumination, wavelength, shockreading, radiation dose, and temperature.
 18. The system of claim 1,wherein the item of information comprises time information.
 19. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the item of information comprises usageinformation.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the imaging datacomprises video data.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the metadata iscorrelated temporally with the image data.
 22. The system of claim 1,wherein the analyzing device is in communication with the encodingdevice.
 23. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyzing devicecommunicates with the encoding device over a computer communicationsnetwork.
 24. A method for diagnosing a medical imaging system,comprising: providing an encoding device in communication with animaging device, which receives medical imaging data from the imagingdevice and encodes an item of information as metadata; and, providing ananalyzing device, which receives the medical image data and themetadata, extracts the item of information from the metadata, anddetermines whether a problem exists in the system based upon the medicalimage data and the item of information.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein the encoding device receives the item of information from theimaging device.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the encoding devicereceives the information from a system component.
 27. The method ofclaim 26, wherein the system component is a head module.
 28. The methodof claim 26, wherein the system component is a light source.
 29. Themethod of claim 26, wherein the system component is an imaging device.30. The method of claim 24, wherein the analyzing device determines thata problem exists when the item of information deviates from apredetermined range.
 31. The method of claim 24, wherein the analyzingdevice determines that a problem exists in the system when the imagedata is reported as faulty and the item of information deviates from apredetermined range.
 32. The method of claim 24, wherein the analyzingdevice determines the problem when it is determined that a problemexists.
 33. The method of claim 24, wherein the analyzing devicetransmits update information to the imaging device based upon the itemof information and the medical imaging data.
 34. The method of claim 24,wherein the item of information is correlated temporally with the imagedata.
 35. The method of claim 24, wherein the metadata is time coded.36. The method of claim 24, wherein the item of information comprises adevice setting.
 37. The method of claim 24, wherein the item ofinformation comprises a software version.
 38. The method of claim 24,wherein the item of information comprises a part number.
 39. The methodof claim 24, wherein the item of information comprises a sensor reading.40. The method of claim 39, wherein the sensor reading is selected fromthe group consisting of brightness, illumination, wavelength, shockreading, radiation dose, and temperature.
 41. The method of claim 24,wherein the item of information comprises time information.
 42. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the item of information comprises usageinformation.
 43. The method of claim 24, wherein the imaging datacomprises video data.
 44. The method of claim 24, wherein the metadatais correlated temporally with the image data.
 45. The method of claim24, wherein the analyzing device is in communication with the encodingdevice.
 46. The method of claim 24, wherein the analyzing devicecommunicates with the encoding device over a computer network.
 47. Asystem for diagnosing a medical imaging system, comprising: an encodingdevice having a first processor and a first memory, and in communicationwith an imaging device, software executing on the first processor forreceiving medical imaging data from the imaging device and for encodingan item of information as metadata; and, an analyzing device having asecond processor and a second memory, and, software executing on thesecond processor for receiving the medical image data and the metadatafrom the encoding device, extracting the item of information from themetadata, and determining whether a problem exists in the system basedupon the medical image data and the item of information.
 48. The systemof claim 47, wherein the encoding device receives the item ofinformation from the imaging device.
 49. The system of claim 47, whereinthe encoding device receives the information from a system component.50. The system of claim 49, wherein the system component is a headmodule.
 51. The system of claim 49, wherein the system component is alight source.
 52. The system of claim 49, wherein the system componentis an imaging device.
 53. The system of claim 47, wherein the analyzingdevice determines that a problem exists when the item of informationdeviates from a predetermined range.
 54. The system of claim 47, whereinthe analyzing device determines that a problem exists in the system whenthe image data is reported as faulty and the item of informationdeviates from a predetermined range.
 55. The system of claim 47, whereinthe analyzing device determines the problem when it is determined that aproblem exists.
 56. The system of claim 47, wherein the analyzing devicetransmits update information to the imaging device based upon the itemof information and the medical imaging data.
 57. The system of claim 47,wherein the item of information is correlated temporally with the imagedata.
 58. The system of claim 47, wherein the metadata is time coded.59. The system of claim 47, wherein the item of information comprises adevice setting.
 60. The system of claim 47, wherein the item ofinformation comprises a software version.
 61. The system of claim 47,wherein the item of information comprises a part number.
 62. The systemof claim 47, wherein the item of information comprises a sensor reading.63. The system of claim 62, wherein the sensor reading is selected fromthe group consisting of brightness, illumination, wavelength, shockreading, radiation dose, and temperature.
 64. The system of claim 47,wherein the item of information comprises time information.
 65. Thesystem of claim 47, wherein the item of information comprises usageinformation.
 66. The system of claim 47, wherein the imaging datacomprises video data.
 67. The system of claim 47, wherein the metadatais correlated temporally with the image data.
 68. The system of claim47, wherein the analyzing device is in communication with the encodingdevice.
 69. The system of claim 47, wherein the analyzing devicecommunicates with the encoding device over a computer communicationsnetwork.